JEEP’S hardcore off-roader, the Wrangler, has changed little over time. Track it through the post-war ages and even today it has the same toothy, bug-eyed grin and boxy, slab-sided design that it always has.

The other thing that hasn’t changed is what the Wrangler promises. Look at it, and you can imagine yourself climbing sandhills, traversing beaches or cresting mountains.

But all things eventually need to change, and with the Wrangler this time around, it’s all about what’s under the bonnet. Gone is the old, thirsty V6 engine and in its place drops Pentastar, a more sophisticated 3.6-litre V6 that also helps reduce the fuel bill.

We already know the Wrangler is next to unstoppable off the beaten track. Does the change of heart under the bonnet make it any more city-friendly, though?